Karen D. Verraneault

Aug. 6, 1953 - Jan. 31, 2021

KEARNEY, Neb. — Karen D. Verraneault, 67, of Kearney, was welcomed into heaven Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021 at her home after a courageous journey with breast cancer. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Feb. 5, 2021, at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Art Faesser officiating. Private family committal service at Kearney Cemetery will follow the service. The service will be livestreamed and can viewed at https://stjameschurchkearney.org/  A wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 4, 2021, at St. James Catholic Church. Due to the current mask mandate, a face mask is required by those attending the service, and all social distancing guidelines will be followed. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. James Catholic Church, C.H.I. Health Regional Cancer Center at Good Samaritan Hospital, or scholarships in her honor for her grandchildren. Online condolences may be submitted by visiting www.hlmkfuneral.com. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements.

Karen was born to Clayton “Beenie” and Mary “Vel” (Koetter) Harmon on Aug. 6, 1953, in McCook, Neb. She was raised in McCook where she graduated from high school in 1971. She enjoyed being a cheerleader and the lifelong friends she made. 

Karen graduated Suma Cum Laude from Kearney State College in 1975 with a comprehensive major in special education. Later, she added endorsements in Resource and Itinerant Teaching and Early Childhood. Upon college graduation she married her high-school sweetheart and the love of her life for 45 years, Steve Verraneault, on July 19, 1975. They made their home in Kearney and together raised three wonderful children: Andrea, Gregory, and Matthew. Karen often said this was her proudest and greatest accomplishment. She delighted in her children and was blessed to be able to work part time while they were growing up. Her children were very blessed to be raised in a loving home, and to have such an amazing mom. Karen’s selflessness, kindness, positivity, and strength will leave a lasting impact on those who were fortunate to know her.

Karen was in the field of education for 43 years, retiring in 2018. The first four years were spent as a special education/resource teacher at Shelton and Kearney Public Schools. Educational Service Unit 10 is where she taught the remaining 39 years. She began by serving as special education teacher in rural schools in several counties. Her passion was helping children learn to read. She built lasting relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. During her tenure at ESU 10, she served as the Resource Coordinator, Early Childhood Planning Region Team Co-Chair, and as a member of the Central NE Autism Team. Grateful to have worked with friends and the best boss, made it the most perfect place to work. She loved teaching and the children and families that came into her life. 

During her journey with cancer, she was at peace and filled with the “joy of the Lord,” wanting only to bring glory to God. She was extremely grateful for her family and many friends who supported her. Her husband, Steve, was her best friend and primary caregiver. 

Karen enjoyed watching her children’s and grandchildren’s numerous activities and sports. She and her husband were avid baseball fans, from little league to professional teams. Making greeting cards, rubber stamping, watercoloring, and playing Bunko with friends brought her joy. Bible study and “RAK Coffee Groups” were important to her. She loved to laugh and cherished the humor of her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends.

Karen will be remembered for her deep faith, devotion to family, and love of her dear friends.

She is survived by her husband, Steve; and children, Andrea (Matthew) Mack of Grand Island; Gregory (Nicole) Verraneault of Omaha; and Matthew Verraneault of Omaha. Cherished by grandma, known fondly as “Mimi,” are her grandchildren: Aaron, Jared, and Willa Mack; and Lily, Maci, and Piper Verraneault. In addition, survivors include her mother, Vel; twin brother, Kurt (Patty) Harmon of Torrington, Wyo., and their children John, Ben, and Caitlin; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Larry Ommert of Cambridge and nephews, Jeff, Tim (Chrystal) and Ryan (Monica) Ommert; and nephew, Eric (Jessica) Cunningham, Va. Extended family includes her Aunt Sharon Koetter and Uncle Art Koetter, both of McCook; and Uncle Jim and Aunt Barb Koetter of Pocatello, Idaho; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clayton; sister, Jennifer, and in-laws, Margaret and Lionel (Boz) Verraneault.